Log in or register
Share on LinkedInShare on LinkedIn

ARTICLE · 05 AUGUST 2008

New Consumer Protection From Unfair Trading

Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP
Contributor
Wedlake Bell LLP

Wedlake Bell LLP

Wedlake Bell provides clients with a full package of legal services delivering commercial and...

View firm profile
Explore more from Wedlake Bell LLP

May 2008 saw the implementation in the UK of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (the Directive) by the introduction of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2007 (the Regulations), which will result in changes to the existing UK consumer protection laws.

United KingdomConsumer Protection
Jonathan Cornthwaite
Jonathan Cornthwaite

May 2008 saw the implementation in the UK of the Unfair Commercial Practices Directive (the Directive) by the introduction of the Consumer Protection from Unfair Trading Regulations 2007 (the Regulations), which will result in changes to the existing UK consumer protection laws.

The Directive applies to business practices (i.e. not private transactions) that affect consumers. It aims to harmonise unfair trading laws in all EU Member States, and contains a general ban on unfair commercial practices that distort the economic behaviour of the typical consumer. It also prohibits misleading and aggressive practices that are likely to deceive the average consumer, and lists more than 30 specific practices that are banned in all circumstances – for example, displaying a trust mark, quality mark or equivalent without having obtained the necessary authorisation. It applies to actions, omissions and other

We operate a free-to-view policy, asking only that you register in order to read all of our content. Please login or register to view the rest of this article.

Register for freeORLog in

Related Articles

Legal Intelligence Newsletters: sign up for the latest legal and regulatory news on your chosen topics

Read more about

Related Comparative Guides

See more popular content from

Article

The DMCCA: Subscription Contracts - The Timeline Just Got Shorter

The UK Government has accelerated the implementation timeline for new subscription contract laws under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, moving the enforcement date from Spring 2027 to January 2027. This change significantly reduces the preparation window for businesses offering subscription services, requiring urgent review of sign-up processes, renewal notifications, and cancellation systems to ensure compliance with the new consumer protection regime.
United KingdomConsumer Protection
Brodies LLP
Brodies LLP
Article

From Replacement To Repair: What The EU Right To Repair Directive Means For Businesses

The EU's Right to Repair Directive, which entered into force on 31 July 2026, introduces comprehensive measures to encourage product repair and extend consumer goods' lifespan as part of the bloc's circular economy strategy. Alongside the Ecodesign for Sustainable Products Regulation and the Green Transition Directive, these reforms impose new obligations on manufacturers, importers, and distributors to make products more durable and repairable while providing enhanced consumer information about repair opti
European UnionConsumer Protection
TLT
TLT
Article

No More Subscription Traps: New Consumer Rules Arrive Early

The UK Government has brought forward new rules to combat subscription traps, requiring businesses to provide clearer contract information, send renewal reminders, and simplify cancellation processes. These changes under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024 will take effect in January 2027, with significant penalties for non-compliance including fines up to £300,000 or 10% of turnover.
United KingdomConsumer Protection
Broadfield Law UK LLP
Broadfield Law UK LLP
Article

Recall Of Fresh Food Meals By Dog Food Brand Years

A UK-based dog food subscription service, Years, has issued a voluntary recall of its fresh meals after nearly 200 dogs developed sudden bilateral dry eye following a recipe change that introduced buckwheat. The company is investigating whether contamination in its buckwheat supply may be linked to the reported cases, while affected pet owners explore potential compensation claims for veterinary costs and related damages.
United KingdomConsumer Protection
Hugh James
Hugh James
Article

Subscription Contracts: What Businesses Need To Know About The New UK Cancel Culture

The UK government has accelerated the implementation of new subscription contract rules under the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, moving the enforcement date to January 2027. These regulations introduce stricter transparency requirements at sign-up, mandatory cooling-off periods including a new renewal cooling-off window, and simplified cancellation processes designed to eliminate 'subscription traps' that lock consumers into unwanted recurring payments.
United KingdomConsumer Protection
Withers LLP
Withers LLP
Article

What Education Providers Need To Know About The New Safeguarding Information Sharing Duty

A new statutory safeguarding information sharing duty comes into force on 30 September 2026, requiring education and childcare providers in England to share relevant safeguarding information without parental consent. What are the key changes to data protection practices, consent requirements, and information sharing thresholds that providers must understand and implement?
United KingdomConsumer Protection
Bates Wells
Bates Wells
Article

New Subscription Rules: Are You Ready For January 2027?

The UK government has accelerated the implementation of new subscription contract regulations, moving the deadline from spring 2027 to January 2027. Businesses selling consumer subscriptions must now rapidly prepare for compliance with the Digital Markets, Competition and Consumers Act 2024, which introduces stringent requirements around pre-contract information, renewal reminders, cancellation methods, and cooling-off periods to prevent subscription traps.
United KingdomConsumer Protection
Mills & Reeve LLP
Mills & Reeve LLP
Article

The EU's Empowering Consumers For The Green Transition Directive: What Your Business Needs To Do Before September 2026

The EU's Green Transition Directive introduces sweeping new rules on greenwashing, sustainability claims, and product durability that will impact all businesses selling to EU consumers from September 2026. With banned practices, mandatory pre-contractual disclosures, and new labelling requirements, companies must act now to audit their environmental claims and ensure compliance across both physical and digital channels.
European UnionConsumer Protection
TLT
TLT
Article

Employment Rights Act 2025: Key Changes For Employers This October

October 2026 brings significant employment law reforms under the Employment Rights Act 2025, including extended tribunal time limits, enhanced trade union rights, and strengthened sexual harassment protections. Employers must prepare for new obligations around third-party harassment liability and workplace access for union representatives. Understanding these changes is crucial for updating policies and managing compliance risks.
United KingdomEmployment and HR
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP
Article

Getting Your House In Order: A Private Client Checklist For September

With significant inheritance tax changes for pensions taking effect in April 2027, this comprehensive guide examines five essential areas of estate planning that families should review this autumn. From pension arrangements and regular gifting strategies to education funding, lasting powers of attorney, and digital asset management, discover practical steps to ensure your financial affairs remain aligned with your objectives and compliant with evolving tax legislation.
United KingdomWealth Management
Wedlake Bell LLP
Wedlake Bell LLP